Memphis Grizzlies (25-55, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (51-30, fifth in the Western Conference)
Houston; Sunday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Houston takes on the Memphis Grizzlies after Amen Thompson scored 41 points in the Houston Rockets' 136-132 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Rockets are 28-23 against Western Conference opponents. Houston leads the Western Conference in rebounding, averaging 47.9 boards. Alperen Sengun paces the Rockets with 8.9 rebounds.
The Grizzlies are 6-9 against the rest of the division. Memphis gives up 120.5 points to opponents while being outscored by 5.7 points per game.
The Rockets average 11.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.6 fewer makes per game than the Grizzlies give up (14). The Grizzlies average 114.8 points per game, 4.7 more than the 110.1 the Rockets allow to opponents.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Rockets won the last meeting 119-109 on March 28, with Kevin Durant scoring 25 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Durant is shooting 52% and averaging 26 points for the Rockets. Reed Sheppard is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Taj Gibson is scoring 3.3 points per game with 2.6 rebounds and 0.6 assists for the Grizzlies. Adama Bal is averaging 6.5 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 39.3% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 8-2, averaging 121.2 points, 48.1 rebounds, 29 assists, 7.3 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.3 points per game.
Grizzlies: 1-8, averaging 111.3 points, 35.4 rebounds, 26 assists, 9.2 steals and 2.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 131.1 points.
INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).
Grizzlies: Santi Aldama: out for season (knee), Olivier-Maxence Prosper: out (ankle), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), GG Jackson: out (knee), Ja Morant: out for season (elbow), Scotty Pippen Jr.: out for season (toe), Taylor Hendricks: out (thumb), Zach Edey: out for season (ankle), Ty Jerome: out (ankle), Jaylen Wells: out for season (toe), Walter Clayton Jr.: out (hip), Cedric Coward: out (back), Cam Spencer: out (back), Brandon Clarke: out for season (calf).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Utah Jazz (21-59, 15th in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (52-29, fourth in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Sunday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Utah travels to Los Angeles looking to break its nine-game road skid.
The Lakers are 32-19 in conference games. Los Angeles is eighth in the Western Conference with 14.8 fast break points per game led by LeBron James averaging 5.7.
The Jazz are 12-39 in Western Conference play. Utah is 5-8 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Lakers average 11.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.5 fewer makes per game than the Jazz give up (15.3). The Jazz average 12.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 fewer makes per game than the Lakers allow.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Lakers won the last meeting 143-135 on Dec. 19, with Luka Doncic scoring 45 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: James is scoring 20.9 points per game with 6.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists for the Lakers. Deandre Ayton is averaging 10.7 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 66.7% over the last 10 games.
John Konchar is scoring 4.3 points per game and averaging 4.1 rebounds for the Jazz. Ace Bailey is averaging 14.7 points and 3.7 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-4, averaging 114.1 points, 40.4 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 9.8 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 52.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.8 points per game.
Jazz: 0-9, averaging 120.6 points, 44.1 rebounds, 31.9 assists, 10.0 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 134.0 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: Austin Reaves: out (rib), Jaxson Hayes: out (foot), Luka Doncic: out (hamstring).
Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: out (hip), Isaiah Collier: out (hamstring), Keyonte George: out (leg), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic: out for season (nose), Brice Sensabaugh: out (rest), Kyle Filipowski: out (back), Elijah Harkless: out (hamstring), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out for season (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Jason Adam #40 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Colorado Rockies during the eighth inning at Petco Park on April 10, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Right-handed bullpen stalwart Jason Adam, who has been recovering from quad tendon surgery since last September, returned to the San Diego Padres in a dramatic fashion during the Friday night game against the Colorado Rockies. Less than an hour before first pitch of the game where the Padres debuted their new City Connect uniforms and tried to maintain their momentum from the walk-off win on Thursday, Adam was reinstated from the IL and struggling Jeremiah Estrada was placed on the 15-day IL with elbow tendinitis.
Adam seemed ready to be with the team coming out of spring camp but the Padres choose to be extra cautious with the valuable eighth inning specialist from 2025. Adam finished last season with a 1.93 ERA in 65.1 innings pitched before injuring his left leg while on the mound. He has thrown five innings over four games with Triple-A El Paso, including back-to-back games and multiple innings, in order to ready himself for the rigors of an MLB season.
In his postgame presser after the Padres staged another dramatic walk off win on Friday night, Padres manager Craig Stammen stated the preference for a “soft landing” for Adam in his return to a major league mound. That wasn’t possible when reliever Adrian Morejon blew a two-run lead in the eighth inning and Adam was called on to get the last out to preserve a tie. Adam threw five pitches and got a groundout to end the top of the inning.
There has been much debate as to who would be demoted from the Padres bullpen in order to make room for Adam upon his return. In the end, it wasn’t a hard decision. Estrada has been laboring in most of his appearances this season. His velocity has been down across the board and his command has also not been up to his norm. Over seven innings pitched in seven games, Estrada has a 5.14 ERA. Stammen also reported on Friday night that Estrada threw in the afternoon and didn’t feel right, reporting discomfort while throwing. They believe it is tendinitis and hope rest and rehab will take care of it.
Matt Waldron
Padres right-handed pitcher Matt Waldron threw another scoreless outing with Triple-A El Paso on April 8. He is on a slow progression in his build up as a starter after missing almost all of spring camp recovering from hemorrhoid surgery. His latest start went five innings with two hits, no runs and three strikeouts. That was his third start with a total of 12 innings pitched without allowing a run. He has a true five-pitch mix while using his fastball, sinker and knuckleball predominately. In those 12 innings he has 12 strikeouts and one walk.
Even with the slow build, he should be ready to join the team at the end of his rehab window later this month. It seems unlikely that Waldron would clear waivers if the Padres tried to send him to the minors. He is out of options and must be put on the roster in order to keep him in the organization.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Gavin Sheets #30 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a walk-off three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the ninth inning at Petco Park on April 10, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the second tine in as many nights, and for the first time in the new City Connect 2.0 uniforms, the San Diego Padres walked off the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. One night after Xander Bogaerts hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 12th inning, Gavin Sheets hit his second home run of the night with a walk-off three-run home run to right-center field in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Padres a 5-2 win over the Rockies.
Sheets hit his first home run of the game in the bottom of the fifth inning, which gave San Diego a 1-0 lead. He was followed later in the inning by Luis Campusano who also hit a solo home run to push the Padres lead to 2-0. It was fitting that the second home run of the night by Sheets ended the scoring and the game, giving the Padres two wins in the first two games of the four-game series against the Rockies.
The left-handed slugger got the chance to play hero in the bottom of the inning after Mason Miller worked the top of the ninth. The closer did hit part, striking out all three Rockies hitters to keep the game tied 2-2. Jackson Merrill opened the bottom of the ninth with a single. Manny Machado followed with a walk and Bogaerts hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Merrill to move to third to put runners on the corner with one out for Sheets.
All Sheets had to do was follow the lead of Bogaerts with a flyball to the outfield and the Padres would walk off the field with a win. Sheets did in fact follow the lead of Bogaerts, but it was the example he set the night before that allowed Sheets to connect on a game-winning home run.
Walker Buehler made the start on the mound for San Diego, and he was solid in what turned out to be his best and longest outing of the season. Buehler pitched six innings and allowed no runs on three hits with four strikeouts.
Colorado scored both of its runs against the San Diego bullpen and the rocky start to the season continued for Adrian Morejon. The left-hander allowed two runs on four hits in just 2/3 of an inning. Jason Adam made his season debut in relief of Morejon. With runners at second and third, Adam induced a ground ball to third base from Ezequiel Tovar and Machado made the play to end the scoring threat and the inning for the Rockies.
The Padres will go for their third win against the Rockies and their fourth win in as many games when they return to action at Petco Park on Saturday at 5:40 p.m.
BOTTOM LINE: Orlando will try to keep its three-game road win streak intact when the Magic face Boston.
The Celtics are 35-16 in Eastern Conference games. Boston averages 114.9 points while outscoring opponents by 7.8 points per game.
The Magic have gone 26-25 against Eastern Conference opponents. Orlando is 11-5 in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Celtics are shooting 46.8% from the field this season, 0.8 percentage points lower than the 47.6% the Magic allow to opponents. The Magic score 8.7 more points per game (115.8) than the Celtics allow (107.1).
The teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Celtics won 138-129 in the last meeting on Nov. 23. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 35 points, and Jett Howard led the Magic with 30 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brown is averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard is averaging 19.7 points and 4.3 assists over the past 10 games.
Paolo Banchero is scoring 22.2 points per game and averaging 8.4 rebounds for the Magic. Jalen Suggs is averaging 2.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 8-2, averaging 120.2 points, 45.3 rebounds, 26.4 assists, 5.8 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.5 points per game.
Magic: 7-3, averaging 118.7 points, 42.4 rebounds, 27.8 assists, 8.1 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.8 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (injury management).
Magic: Jett Howard: out (ankle), Jonathan Isaac: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
New Orleans Pelicans (26-55, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (48-33, sixth in the Western Conference)
Minneapolis; Sunday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans will try to break its eight-game road slide when the Pelicans take on Minnesota.
The Timberwolves are 30-21 in conference play. Minnesota is eighth in the Western Conference with 50.1 points per game in the paint led by Julius Randle averaging 10.2.
The Pelicans are 17-33 in Western Conference play. New Orleans has an 8-42 record against teams over .500.
The Timberwolves are shooting 48.1% from the field this season, 0.4 percentage points higher than the 47.7% the Pelicans allow to opponents. The Pelicans average 11.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.0 fewer made shot on average than the 12.2 per game the Timberwolves give up.
The two teams match up for the fourth time this season. The Pelicans defeated the Timberwolves 119-115 in their last meeting on Feb. 7. Saddiq Bey led the Pelicans with 30 points, and Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 35 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaden McDaniels is scoring 14.8 points per game and averaging 4.2 rebounds for the Timberwolves. Donte DiVincenzo is averaging 12.5 points and 2.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Jeremiah Fears is scoring 14.0 points per game and averaging 3.6 rebounds for the Pelicans. Jordan Hawkins is averaging 1.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Timberwolves: 5-5, averaging 112.2 points, 41.3 rebounds, 24.5 assists, 9.1 steals and 6.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 points per game.
Pelicans: 1-9, averaging 113.9 points, 41.4 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 8.7 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.2 points.
INJURIES: Timberwolves: Julius Randle: out (hand), Naz Reid: out (injury management), Rudy Gobert: out (rest), Bones Hyland: out (hip), Joe Ingles: out (personal).
Pelicans: Trey Murphy III: out (ankle), Zion Williamson: out (knee), Yves Missi: out (hand), Karlo Matkovic: out (back), Herbert Jones: out (rest), Saddiq Bey: out (rest), Dejounte Murray: out (hand), Bryce McGowens: out (toe).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks visit Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat on Sunday.
The Heat have gone 9-7 against division opponents. Miami ranks second in the Eastern Conference with 54.3 points per game in the paint led by Jaime Jaquez Jr. averaging 9.7.
The Hawks are 9-6 against opponents from the Southeast Division. Atlanta averages 118.5 points and has outscored opponents by 2.8 points per game.
The Heat score 120.6 points per game, 4.9 more points than the 115.7 the Hawks give up. The Hawks average 14.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.7 more makes per game than the Heat allow.
The two teams play for the fourth time this season. The Heat defeated the Hawks 128-97 in their last meeting on Feb. 21. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 24 points, and Onyeka Okongwu led the Hawks with 22 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kel'el Ware is scoring 11.0 points per game and averaging 9.0 rebounds for the Heat. Adebayo is averaging 18.1 points and 10.7 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Dyson Daniels is shooting 51.7% and averaging 11.9 points for the Hawks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is averaging 3.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 4-6, averaging 122.6 points, 42.6 rebounds, 30.5 assists, 6.1 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 128.1 points per game.
Hawks: 7-3, averaging 122.9 points, 44.3 rebounds, 28.9 assists, 9.6 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.0 points.
INJURIES: Heat: Davion Mitchell: out (shoulder), Nikola Jovic: out (ankle), Norman Powell: out (groin), Tyler Herro: out (foot), Dru Smith: out (foot).
Hawks: Jock Landale: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Washington Wizards (17-64, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-30, fourth in the Eastern Conference)
Cleveland; Sunday, 6 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Washington visits Cleveland looking to end its five-game road skid.
The Cavaliers have gone 32-19 against Eastern Conference teams. Cleveland is second in the Eastern Conference scoring 119.4 points while shooting 48.1% from the field.
The Wizards are 11-40 against conference opponents. Washington allows 124.8 points to opponents and has been outscored by 11.9 points per game.
The Cavaliers' 14.3 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.7 more made shots on average than the 13.6 per game the Wizards allow. The Wizards average 112.9 points per game, 2.5 fewer than the 115.4 the Cavaliers give up to opponents.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Cavaliers won 138-113 in the last matchup on Feb. 12.
TOP PERFORMERS: Evan Mobley is shooting 54.6% and averaging 18.2 points for the Cavaliers. James Harden is averaging 17.9 points over the last 10 games.
Bub Carrington is averaging 10.6 points and 4.6 assists for the Wizards. Jaden Hardy is averaging 1.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Cavaliers: 7-3, averaging 122.4 points, 43.0 rebounds, 28.4 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 50.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.4 points per game.
Wizards: 1-9, averaging 115.3 points, 40.8 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 9.1 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 129.8 points.
INJURIES: Cavaliers: Jarrett Allen: out (injury management), Thomas Bryant: out (calf), Sam Merrill: out (hamstring), Donovan Mitchell: out (ankle).
Wizards: Anthony Davis: out for season (finger), Tristan Vukcevic: out (knee), Justin Champagnie: out (knee), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Tre Johnson: out (foot), Alex Sarr: out (toe), Kyshawn George: out for season (elbow), D'Angelo Russell: out (not injury related), Trae Young: out for season (quad).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Detroit Pistons (59-22, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (19-62, 14th in the Eastern Conference)
Indianapolis; Sunday, 6 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Detroit will aim for its 60th win of the season when the Pistons visit the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers have gone 15-36 against Eastern Conference teams. Indiana is 9-42 against opponents over .500.
The Pistons are 11-4 against the rest of the division. Detroit averages 117.6 points and has outscored opponents by 8.1 points per game.
The Pacers' 13.3 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.7 more made shots on average than the 12.6 per game the Pistons give up. The Pistons average 11.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.1 fewer made shots on average than the 12.1 per game the Pacers allow.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Pistons won 121-78 in the last matchup on Jan. 18.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jarace Walker is scoring 11.6 points per game with 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists for the Pacers. Obi Toppin is averaging 14.0 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 55.3% over the past 10 games.
Jalen Duren is scoring 19.5 points per game and averaging 10.5 rebounds for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Pacers: 4-6, averaging 118.8 points, 43.7 rebounds, 33.5 assists, 6.8 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.0 points per game.
Pistons: 7-3, averaging 119.5 points, 44.3 rebounds, 31.9 assists, 10.2 steals and 6.9 blocks per game while shooting 51.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.0 points.
INJURIES: Pacers: T.J. McConnell: out (hamstring), Johnny Furphy: out for season (knee), Andrew Nembhard: out (back), Ben Sheppard: out (hip), Ivica Zubac: out for season (rib), Pascal Siakam: out (back), Aaron Nesmith: out (neck), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).
Pistons: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Brooklyn Nets (20-61, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Toronto Raptors (45-36, sixth in the Eastern Conference)
Toronto; Sunday, 6 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Brooklyn will aim to stop its seven-game road losing streak when the Nets take on Toronto.
The Raptors are 32-19 in conference play. Toronto ranks ninth in the NBA allowing just 111.9 points per game while holding opponents to 46.7% shooting.
The Nets are 14-36 in conference games. Brooklyn is 6-39 against opponents with a winning record.
The Raptors score 114.4 points per game, 1.3 fewer points than the 115.7 the Nets allow. The Nets' 44.3% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.4 percentage points lower than the Raptors have allowed to their opponents (46.7%).
The two teams match up for the fourth time this season. The Nets defeated the Raptors 96-81 in their last matchup on Dec. 21. Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 24 points, and Brandon Ingram led the Raptors with 19 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Scottie Barnes is averaging 18.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists for the Raptors. Ja'Kobe Walter is averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Ben Saraf is averaging 7.4 points and 3.3 assists for the Nets. Tyson Etienne is averaging 9.2 points and 1.6 rebounds while shooting 41.7% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Raptors: 5-5, averaging 115.6 points, 41.3 rebounds, 31.5 assists, 9.9 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 50.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.4 points per game.
Nets: 3-7, averaging 103.2 points, 34.8 rebounds, 23.3 assists, 9.7 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 44.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.9 points.
INJURIES: Raptors: Chucky Hepburn: out (knee), RJ Barrett: out (back), Trayce Jackson-Davis: out (illness), Immanuel Quickley: out (injury management), Collin Murray-Boyles: out (neck).
Nets: Ziaire Williams: out (foot), Noah Clowney: out (ankle), Josh Minott: out (achilles), Nic Claxton: out (finger), Danny Wolf: out for season (ankle), Egor Demin: out for season (foot), Day'Ron Sharpe: out for season (thumb), Michael Porter Jr.: out for season (hamstring), Terance Mann: out (achilles), Drake Powell: out (injury management).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Chicago Bulls (31-50, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (25-56, 13th in the Western Conference)
Dallas; Sunday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas will try to end its three-game skid when the Mavericks take on Chicago.
The Mavericks have gone 15-25 in home games. Dallas is 12-20 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 13.9 turnovers per game.
The Bulls are 13-27 on the road. Chicago has a 13-32 record in games decided by at least 10 points.
The Mavericks score 113.7 points per game, 7.5 fewer points than the 121.2 the Bulls allow. The Bulls average 14.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.5 more made shots on average than the 12.8 per game the Mavericks allow.
The teams play for the second time this season. The Bulls won the last matchup 125-107 on Jan. 11, with Matas Buzelis scoring 15 points in the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cooper Flagg is averaging 21.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists for the Mavericks. Max Christie is averaging 10.3 points over the past 10 games.
Tre Jones is averaging 14.2 points and 5.4 assists for the Bulls. Collin Sexton is averaging 19.3 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 48.2% over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 115.0 points, 41.9 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 8.6 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.2 points per game.
Bulls: 2-8, averaging 117.1 points, 45.6 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 7.8 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 127.6 points.
INJURIES: Mavericks: P.J. Washington: out (elbow), Marvin Bagley III: day to day (shoulder), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Klay Thompson: out (illness), Daniel Gafford: out (rest), Caleb Martin: out (foot), Brandon Williams: out (illness), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Naji Marshall: out (hip).
Bulls: Anfernee Simons: out (wrist), Matas Buzelis: day to day (ankle), Isaac Okoro: out (quad), Jalen Smith: out for season (calf), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Josh Giddey: out (hamstring), Guerschon Yabusele: out (shoulder), Nick Richards: out (elbow), Zach Collins: out for season (toe).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Sacramento Kings (21-59, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (41-40, eighth in the Western Conference)
Portland, Oregon; Sunday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Portland will try to keep its three-game home win streak intact when the Trail Blazers face Sacramento.
The Trail Blazers are 28-23 against Western Conference opponents. Portland is sixth in the league with 46.0 rebounds led by Donovan Clingan averaging 11.6.
The Kings are 14-37 in Western Conference play. Sacramento has a 12-41 record against teams above .500.
The Trail Blazers are shooting 45.3% from the field this season, 4.2 percentage points lower than the 49.5% the Kings allow to opponents. The Kings average 10.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.3 fewer made shots on average than the 12.6 per game the Trail Blazers allow.
The teams meet for the fourth time this season. In the last matchup on Jan. 19 the Trail Blazers won 117-110 led by 30 points from Deni Avdija, while Malik Monk scored 23 points for the Kings.
TOP PERFORMERS: Avdija is averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists for the Trail Blazers. Toumani Camara is averaging 4.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Maxime Raynaud is scoring 12.2 points per game with 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists for the Kings. Precious Achiuwa is averaging 12.1 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 55.6% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Trail Blazers: 6-4, averaging 117.3 points, 46.2 rebounds, 25.6 assists, 9.0 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.0 points per game.
Kings: 3-6, averaging 112.3 points, 43.2 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 7.1 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.0 points.
INJURIES: Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant: out (calf), Vit Krejci: out (calf), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).
Kings: Domantas Sabonis: out for season (back), Russell Westbrook: out (foot), De'Andre Hunter: out for season (eye), Zach LaVine: out for season (finger), Drew Eubanks: out for season (thumb), DeMar DeRozan: out (hamstring), Keegan Murray: out (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Lakers star LeBron James is fouled as he shoots over Phoenix's Dillon Brooks (3) during the first half Friday at Crypto.com Arena. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The ball is back in LeBron James' hands, and he is thriving in his “new” role as the Lakers’ primary caretaker.
James is in this position in the wake of injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. He had been the third option behind Doncic and Reaves, and he shifted back to a role he has been accustomed to playing over his 23-year career.
James has been a force over the last three games, with his latest standout performance coming Friday night in the Lakers’ 101-73 win over the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena.
James finished with 28 points, 12 assists and six rebounds to help the Lakers secure at least the No. 4 seed in the uber-tough Western Conference.
The Lakers (52-29) still have a shot at the third seed if they beat the Utah Jazz at home on Sunday and if the third-place Denver Nuggets lose at San Antonio on Sunday, the final day of the regular season. Because the Lakers won the tiebreaker over the Nuggets, they would get the higher seed over Denver if the two teams finish with identical records.
“Obviously we are going to be able to feed off our crowd. That’s going to be great,” James said. “We’re going to have home court. That’s great for our fans. But the game is played in between the four lines. So, looking forward to that.”
James was 10 for 16 from the field against the Suns and two for two from three-point range.
Lakers guard Luke Kennard, center, controls the ball in front of Phoenix guards Amir Coffey, left, and Jamaree Bouyea during the first half Friday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Over his last three games in this new role, James has averaged 24.6 points, 12.6 assists and 7.6 rebounds, shooting 60% from the field and 46% from three-point range.
He was on point from the beginning against the Suns.
James quickly went by a defender on a back-door cut, took a pass from Luke Kennard and threw down a two-handed, rim-rattling dunk. James flexed in front of his teammates on the bench, who stood to give their approval. The Suns called time out with four minutes and 53 seconds left in the first quarter, giving the fans more time to appreciate what James was still able to do at 41 years old.
“I’m just trying to make plays,” James said. “I had to tap back into a role that I’ve been accustomed to in the past, but obviously it wasn’t what it was this year. But circumstances have put me back in and I’m just trying to figure out my teammates and my teammates feeding off me and just trying to make things happen for us to continue to stay afloat.”
Whoever the Lakers face in the playoffs, coach JJ Redick believes teams want to face his group because of their injuries. Doncic and Reaves are not expected back for the first-round of the postseason.
“I'm sure everybody wants to play us. Let's get that out there, like, everybody wants to play us,” Redick said before the game. “Probably teams that are in a position where they can start looking forward to potential second-round matchups as well. ... Again, I'll say what I told the team yesterday, what I told you guys after the game, we have to figure out the formula and the belief for this group to be successful. And so that's our focus for tonight and that's going to be our focus on Sunday.”
For Kennard, who had 19 points and three assists in his new role as the lead point guard, the Lakers face a big challenge in the playoffs without Doncic and Reaves.
“You’re missing 60 points a game, and yeah, it’s definitely out there and I’m sure people are thinking about that and what we’re missing,” Kennard said. “But we also have [James] and the way he’s been playing and leading us has been incredible, and obviously, we’re going to need him to continue to do that. But I think these last few games everybody’s starting to get a rhythm.
"We’re starting to figure out what playoffs are going to look like for us, rotations and all of that," Kennard continued. "Guys are getting more comfortable with it and they’re playing well together and it’s been fun. So, yeah, I think no matter who we play, we’re going to be ready to fight from Day 1, Game 1. And they gotta come here first, no matter who it is, and I think we’re going to look forward to it.”
Notes: Lakers backup center Jaxson Hayes missed his third straight game with left foot soreness, but he has been making progress. “Hope to have him back Sunday,” Redick said. “But yeah, he's still day to day.” ... The Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin. It means the Lakers have a roster spot available to sign another player for the playoffs. “We're evaluating all the options we have,” Redick said. ... Marcus Smart, who had missed nine straight games with a right ankle contusion, had six points in 18 minutes.
Apr 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) hits a solo home run during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Max Muncy hit his third home run of the game in the bottom of the ninth with two outs to secure a walk-off victory for the Dodgers (10-3) over the Rangers (7-6) immediately following the first blown save by Dodgers new closer Edwin Diaz.
Muncy homered thrice. The hero of the night collected a total of four hits, drove in three runs, and scored five runs. Andy Pages had another huge night at the plate as well. He drove in four runs on three hits to contribute to the Dodgers 8-7 win over the Rangers on Friday night at Dodger Stadium.
Old friends Corey Seager and Joc Pederson helped make it a back-and-forth contest. Seager drove in three runs, and Pederson had a key at-bat.
Muncy got the Dodgers on the board in the second inning with a solo shot to right center for the first of three acts.
The Dodgers went from one run up to two runs down after one swing on a Glasnow fastball from old friend Corey Seager in the third. After Josh Smith and Brandon Nimmo singled, Seager slugged a three-run home run on a two-out 3-2 count.
Muncy went deep for the second time against Rocker in as many plate appearances with two outs in the bottom of the fourth. The solo home run made it a one-run game.
The longest-tenured player on the Dodgers, Muncy, is now alone in third place in LA Dodger history and sixth in franchise history with 212 home runs.
The Rangers got back the run in the next frame thanks to a Wyatt Langford solo home run off a hanging Glasnow curveball.
Hyeseong Kim’s sac fly made it a one-run game once again. Ohtani singled to right field, and the Dodgers had Rocker on the ropes with runners at the corners and two outs. A four-pitch walk to Kyle Tucker loaded the bases for Will Smith. Smith’s bases-loaded double play ended the threat there to keep it 4-3.
In the sixth, the comeback vibes returned. Pages once again came up clutch with a two-RBI double against Texas reliever Robert Garcia to give the Dodgers a 5-4 lead.
Alex Vesia took over for Glasnow in the seventh and continued to pitch dominantly with three strikeouts in a scoreless inning. Glasnow nor Rocker were involved in the decision. Other than the two mistake pitches to Seager and Langford, Glasnow pitched well and struck out seven over six innings of work.
The Dodgers squandered another scoring opportunity when they cornered the Rangers again in the seventh. Freddie Freeman grounded into the third double play of the evening to end the threat.
Tanner Scott blew away Seager with a strikeout and pitched another scoreless inning out of the bullpen, another promising outing from the reliever.
Pages is playing on a whole different level and crushed his fourth homer of the season in the eighth, a two-run missile against right-hander Luis Curvelo for some insurance.
Andy Pages provides some insurance for the @Dodgers!
Sound the trumpets. Edwin Diaz emerged from the Dodgers bullpen to secure the series opener win, but things got sketchy quickly in the top of the ninth. Pederson struck out, but got it overturned on an ABS challenge. Joc subsequently singled. Evan Carter drove in Pederson on a two-run home run against Diaz to make it a one-run game once again.
Diaz intentionally walked Nimmo, but Ezequiel Duran singled home Sam Haggarty to tie the game at seven runs apiece in the top of the ninth. The save was blown, but the Dodgers still had an opportunity to walk it off in the bottom of the ninth.
Muncy saved us from extra-innings with a sweet bat drop after he hit his third home run of the night for a walk-off win.
LP — Jacob Latz (0-1): 2/3 IP, 1 hit, 1 run, no walks, 2 strikeouts (16 pitches)
Note: Will Smith now has 11 successful ABS challenges to lead major-league catchers
Up next
Emmet Sheehan (1-0, 8.00 ERA, 1.89 WHIP) makes his third start of the season for the Dodgers Saturday night (6:10 p.m.; SportsNet LA). Jack Leiter (1-0, 2.45 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) takes the mound for the Rangers.
Apr 10, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) delivers during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
The Colorado Rockies battled all night, grinding through tough at-bats before finally breaking through with two late runs — making the walk-off home run that followed all the more painful. Juan Mejia gets tagged with the loss and Mason Miller picked up the win for the Padres.
Pitchers set the tone early
Tomoyuki Sugano and Walker Buehler traded control early, each working efficiently through the first few innings in a game that quickly took on a low-scoring, tightly contested feel.
Sugano delivered a solid six-inning outing, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out three without issuing a walk on 81 pitches (52 strikes). He mixed his arsenal effectively throughout the night, leaning on his splitter and varying speeds to keep Padres hitters off balance, while also inducing seven ground ball outs.
After navigating early traffic and escaping a key jam in the third, Sugano ran into trouble in the fifth, where two mistakes were both punished for home runs.
Those swings accounted for all of San Diego’s early offense and ultimately proved pivitol in a game with little margin for error. To his credit, Sugano responded with a clean sixth inning to keep Colorado within reach.
Buehler, meanwhile, was efficient and composed, holding the Rockies to three hits over six innings without issuing a walk while striking out four on just 68 pitches.
For much of the night, neither offense generated much impact. The Rockies, in particular, struggled to produce anything resembling sustained pressure, and their lineup felt notably lighter without Hunter Goodman in the starting lineup.
Colorado finished with eight hits — all singles — and no player recorded more than one hit. They struck out a manageable seven times but drew only one walk.
Padres strike first on the long ball
In a game defined by limited offense early, it was power that broke the deadlock.
Gavin Sheets opened the scoring in the fifth with a solo home run to deep right-center:
Those two swings accounted for all of San Diego’s runs through eight innings and highlighted a known challenge for Sugano, whose otherwise strong outing was undone by the pair of mistakes.
Rockies finally break through with scrappy eighth
After seven innings of quiet offense, the Rockies finally found life in the eighth — and did it the hard way.
Brenton Doyle sparked the inning with an infield single and was methodically moved into scoring position on a pair of groundouts from Brett Sullivan and Kyle Karros. With two outs, Goodman, pinch hitting, lined a single up the middle to score Doyle and cut the deficit to 2–1.
Tyler Freeman followed with another base hit, and the inning came full circle when Beck stepped to the plate. After being picked off earlier in the inning in what looked like a costly mistake, Beck delivered in the biggest moment, lining a two-out single to right field. Third base coach Andy González waved Goodman home, and he sprinted around third before diving headfirst across the plate just ahead of the tag to tie the game at 2-2 and cap a remarkable turnaround.
Antonio Senzatela followed Sugano with a strong initial inning, showcasing both velocity and a full pitch mix before running into command issues in the eighth. After recording a momentum-shifting strike-’em-out, throw-’em-out double play, he issued a walk and was lifted as the inning grew tense.
Adrián Morejón absorbed the eighth-inning damage for San Diego before Jason Adam recorded the final out. Miller then struck out the side in the ninth, overpowering the Rockies with triple-digit velocity.
Any momentum the Rockies carried into the ninth quickly disappeared against Miller, but the bottom half proved decisive.
After a leadoff single and a walk put immediate pressure on Juan Mejía, the inning quickly turned into a high-wire act. Mejía recorded a key out on a deep fly ball that allowed the winning run to advance to third, but the margin for error had vanished.
Moments later, Sheets ended it.
Sheets crushed a pitch deep to right-center for a three-run, walk-off home run — his second of the night — scoring Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado and sealing a 5-2 Padres victory.
Beck’s night encapsulated the volatility of baseball.
After a frustrating sequence earlier in the seventh inning that included a successful ABS challenge and a subsequent pickoff at second base, Beck found himself back in a defining moment — and delivered. His game-tying hit transformed what could have been a night defined by a mistake into one defined by resilience. Is it a step in the right direction?
In a game defined by fine margins, the difference ultimately came down to a handful of swings.
The Rockies showed resilience, clawing back with a scrappy eighth inning and getting contributions up and down the lineup. But three home runs from San Diego — including one final, decisive blast — proved too much to overcome.
Even in defeat, the effort was there: gritty, competitive, and just short of enough.
Up Next
The Rockies are back at it again against these same San Diego Padres tomorrow evening.
They’ll face former Rockie Germán Márquez at 6:40 p.m. MT, a familiar face now standing in the way as Colorado looks to respond after two painful finishes. The Rockies will counter with Ryan Feltner, making his third start of the season.
After back-to-back walk-off heartbreaks, the Rockies have shown they can fight. Now they have to prove they can finish.
